Why do we go to the sea? The answer will be different for each of us. Standing on a beach with surf swirling around my feet, I have a strong sense of being on the cusp between two worlds: terrestrial and aquatic.

We originated from the sea but, although we now live on land, we still depend upon the ocean for our survival: it absorbs the majority of radiation from the Sun and regulates the climate; it soaks up over a quarter of the carbon emissions produced by humans; and every other breath of oxygen we take is produced by phytoplankton living in the ocean (with help from whales).

But the ocean goes beyond supporting our physical well-being. I believe it can also have a positive effect on our mental health. Listening to the waves, their tidal rhythm provides an unerring constant in our chaotic world. Looking out to the horizon, the vast expanse of ocean creates a sense of perspective, clearing the mind to sift through the endless demands for our attention, revealing what is truly important, and calming the stream of thoughts.